Star LSU defender Bradyn Swinson reveals Texas Bowl status

Will LSU have star defensive end Bradyn Swinson in the Texas Bowl?

LSU will have one of its top defenders when it faces Baylor in the Texas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

LSU defensive end Bradsyn Swinson announced his intention to suit up with the Tigers one more time in an LSU social media post on Wednesday.

Swinson’s announcement is big news for a Tigers’ team that already lost tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones to opt-outs. If Swinson were out, LSU would be down another key player. LSU’s depth is thin at defensive end after sophomore Da’Shawn Womack transferred to Ole Miss.

According to PFF, Swinson’s 57 pressures rank No. 5 nationally among FBS edge defenders. PFF charted Swinson with nine sacks, which ranked fourth among SEC defensive ends.

Swinson transferred to LSU before the 2023 season after beginning his career at Oregon. The Georgia native emerged down the stretch last year before launching a breakout campaign in 2024.

Swinson’s biggest moment came against Ole Miss, where a fourth down stop early in the game proved to be critical.

LSU will need Swinson against a Baylor offense that found its groove over the second half of the schedule. Baylor finished the regular season No. 21 nationally in scoring offense and ranks top 30 in yards per pass and yards per rush.